Police and Neighbourhood Watch organisers are pressing home warnings about doorstep scammers operating across the Hinckley and Bosworth area.

The call comes following an incident when distraction raiders stole cash from a man in his 80s after turning up and offering to carry out work on his roof.

The elderly householder from Markfield was so shaken he collapsed at a local garage after going there to raise the alarm.

A neighbourhood watch spokesman said: “When someone tries to sell you something or offers you goods or services or tries to get you to sign up for something in your home, another’s home or your place of work they may be a genuine salesperson but sometimes it’s a scam.

“People will turn up on your doorstep claiming to be on some kind of official business, perhaps to read a meter, check the property or offer repairs.

“Once in the house however they will distract your attention, often by having an accomplice, and steal money or valuables.

“The advice is if anyone turns up on your doorstep without a prior appointment always check their ID. If they are genuine they will have some form of identification and will happily show it - if not they could be criminals so do not let them in.

“To be extra safe take the ID, leave the person on the doorstep - do not allow them into your home - and find the phone number of the organisation they say they are from and ring it.

“Again if the caller is genuine they should understand.

“If in doubt at any point simply do not let anyone cross your threshold. It is better to be safe than sorry.”